The Last Five Years
Starring: Samantha Barks, Jonathan BaileyDirector: Jason Robert Brown
The musical tells the story of aspiring actress Cathy (Samantha Barks) and writer Jamie (Jonathan Bailey) as we see the details of their five year relationship in differing timelines. From Cathy's perspective it goes backwards from their split to when they first met and for Jamie it goes forward vice versa. Throughout we get to see the events from both sides and question who was to blame for the marriage deteriorating and whether they were in fact doomed from the start.
While incredibly simple in terms of writing, the execution of this typical boy meets girl story is really what makes it interesting. With a timeline that's unlike anything I've seen for a show, it's cleverly used to emphasize the character growth and development from both sides of the spectrum. Seeing Cathy go from bitter and heartbroken to optimistic and hopeful and vice versa with Jamie really helps this ideology of an unbiased point of view as we'd slowly see why the relationship didn't last. While it'd initially be easy to pick sides of who was to blame for the split, Brown goes extra lengths to show that it's more of a balance as they both can be portrayed as narcissists when the time comes because of their differing career routes. However, that doesn't mean they're unlikeable because it's easy to see why they act they way they do. They're just being human. As there are no other characters shown onstage, this really helps the strongest aspect: the emotions. Jason Robert Brown knows when to let the emotions speak out, especially during songs like See I'm Smiling, Shiska Goddess and the finale as he cleverly juxtaposes the two timelines. The fact that the songs themselves are solos for Cathy and Jamie also adds in a sense of ambiguity as to what the other is saying at that moment and it really shows how well the actors can handle the material, which I'll get to in a moment.
The simplicity can also be shown in the production design. With no need for glitzy special effects or massive sets to showcase New York, it rather goes for a more intimate look with simple yet effective lighting and basic props, akin to the story's own intimacy. Alongside brief uses of TVs to show either apartment or car windows, the scene transitions also help make it clear of whose side we're seeing and when. This can also help with the emotions as they'd go for bright and energetic during the happier moments of the relationship like in Moving Too Fast while using darker lights to either create a sombre or intimate atmosphere like in the opening number I'm Still Hurting. The costumes also help with the realistic aspect of the show, rather going for more modern yet quirky look to reflect the character's personalities and still making them feel like real people.
But obviously, given how demanding the roles are, the actors need to carry the entire show forward and in this production, they both succeed perfectly. While essentially having to act with thin air except for two cases, they both really bring the characters to life. Samantha Barks as Cathy really brings out her frustrated and emotional side as we see both the strains of being married to a successful writer and wanting to be her own person as an actress despite never-ending rejection. She can still have her funny and sarcastic moments to compensate for her troubles, still making her a relateable person, especially shown during her inner monologue in Climbing Uphill. This is definitely not saying that Bailey was the lesser of the two as he really had his stand-out moments, bringing out Jamie's funny, idealistic and charismatic sides in full force. Without a doubt his best moment was the Schmuel Song, being a mix of everything on top of showcasing Robert Brown's smart word play in the lyrics. But I cannot get into the acting without mentioning the signature duet, The Next Ten Minutes. The only time that the timelines interconnect, Barks and Bailey's chemistry was blazing was incredibly heartwarming to watch, making it all the more sadder that the characters' marriage ended so badly.
Directed by Jason Robert Brown himself, the musical numbers themselves all stand out. I do admittedly have a soft spot for folk music akin to Once, but they still fit the mood and setting Brown was going for. With witty lyrics almost reminiscent of Sondheim's work, they all help show the audience how Cathy and Jamie are feeling during their own timelines, especially Climbing Uphill for Cathy and If I Didn't Believe In You for Jamie. They are all memorable & stand out very well on their own, with Barks and Bailey's renditions definitely adding a punch to the proceedings full of energy and emotion. And as for which one is my favourite...all of them! They're all that well done, I can't actually think of a favourite.
The new production of The Last Five Years is witty, charming and surprisingly honest thanks to the beautiful music and phenomenal performances. Taking an age old boy meets girl story, the innovative storytelling gives it a refreshing yet emotional twist as we non-judgementally get into the heads of both Cathy and Jamie. With no need for glamorous sets to move the plot along, the simple production design also enhances the honesty of the show and its portrayal of a real relationship will undoubtedly bring tears to anyone's eyes. And given how much the audience was applauding throughout, I have a feeling this musical will grow in popularity in no time.
Rating: *****
And before anybody tells me, yes I am fully aware of the 2014 film adaptation starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan! Now we've got that out of the way, as a special treat, I'll be doing a stage vs screen post comparing the two of them!
And as an added bonus for my comeback, I did have a mini reunion with Samantha after five long years from seeing her back in Les Miserables. Come to think of it, it is strange how fast those last five years have gone compared to where I am now...
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